Depersonalization and derealization are unhealthy patterns of thought that result in feeling like you’ve lost your personhood or humanity, failing to recognize the humanity in others, and struggling to grasp reality.

People who suffer from derealization question whether or not the world around them is real, and because of this, often have a very hard time functioning in the world around them.

Depersonalization is equally harmful: it robs the person of their feelings of humanity and makes them feel disassociated from the world around them.

Understandably, people who suffer from depersonalization and derealization may have a difficult time with social interaction, and may feel isolated and alone.

The best way to combat depersonalization and derealization is to get professional help from a mental health specialist, since depersonalization and derealization are often symptoms of larger mental illnesses, like anxiety or depression.

Introductory example

Today (03/25) I was cleaning the street: nothing unusual. However, the weather was dry, and it was quite dusty around. So while I was sweeping, the dust was rising up and the wind was carrying it to the windows of the nearby building (some of which were open).

So while I was doing it, a detailed dialog took place in my head. I imagined people in this building get irritated by all the dust that floats into their rooms. Someone sticks his head out the window and starts yelling at me.

After this dialog took place in my head, my emotional state changed dramatically. My good mood disappeared without a trace and I got angry at that person I was arguing with in my mind, and who I didn’t even know!

After I calmed down I started thinking rationally again: “WTF?! How come I ruined my good emotional state and got anger at that hypothetical person by simply simulating a conversation inside my head? Is it fair that I’ve changed my attitude toward him/her, from neutral to hostile, without even talking to her/him? How come that I made a decision that person doesn’t like me or what I’m doing for him/her?” Continue reading Do You Like Making Decisions For Other People Without Their Consent?→

I am not good enough – a common excuse for inaction, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter what area of life we’re talking about. This excuse is universal.

It may take different shapes like “I’m not ready” or “I am not prepared”, but it’s still the same.

I am not good enough to start a business. I am not good enough to apply for that job. I am not good enough to make friends with that cool person. I am not good enough to ask that girl out. Continue reading I’m not good enough→